Mechanism for raising liquids from deep wells.



PATBNTED MAY 24; 1904. T.-F. MORAN & F! T. MOSER.

MECHANISM FOR RAISING LIQUIDS FROM DEEP WELLS.

i APPLIOATION FILED JULY 16, 1903. N0 MODEL.

2 SHBETS-SHEET 1.

w/rwssss; 7

- T. P. MORAN & F; J; MOSHE.

MEG-HANISMIFOR RAISING LIQUIDS FROM DEEP WELLS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 16, 1903.

K0 IODEL. 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 WITNESSES: INVENTORS I/zamaa]? fll'ozm fled .ZJfaser v I 10% By I ATTORNEYS PATENTED MAY 24, 1904.

. 5 UNITED STATES,

PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS FRANCES MORAN, OF DE YOUNG, AND FRED JOSEPH MOSER, OF

- KANE, PENNSYLVANIA.

MECHANISM FQFI RAISING LIQUIDS FROIIII DEEPVIIELLS.

SPECIFICATIONfor-niing part of Letters Patent No. 760,903, dated May 24, 1904.

Application filed July 16, 1903.

To all whom it may concern:

liquids from deep wells, such mechanism, for

instance, as is commonly used in the oil regions.

Reference is to be had to the'accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure 1 is avertical section, partly in elevation, showing our invention as 'a'ppliedto a well. Fig. 2 is a verticalsection through the air-nozzle and its accompanying parts. Fig. 3 Shows a modified form of air-nozzle provided with a valve of special construction, and Fig. 4 is avertical section showing amodified form of casing-and valve mechanism therefor.

The earth is shown at 1, the drill-hole at 2, the shot-hole at 3, and the-pocket at 3. The

liquid in the shot-hole 3 isshown at 4, and a column ofthe liquid being raised is shown at 4. A tubular casing is shown at 5 and is provided with perforations 6. Mounted within thiscasing is a partition 7, forming a sandtrap and provided with a tubularmember 8, the upper portion 10 of which is reamed out into conical shape, thus forming a seat for a valve 11. Sand 9 lodges in the sand-trap mentioned, as may be seen by reference to the lower portion of Fig. 1. The valve 11 is provided with a stem 12, the upper portion of this stem having a head 13, whereby the valve may be lifted from its seat. An air-nozzle 14 of hollow form is provided with an aperture 15, encircling the stem 12, and is further provided with perforations 16, through which the air may'pass outwardly. Disposed within .the air-nozzle 14 is a bridge17, through which 8eria1No.165,726. (No mode.)

passes the stem 19 of a valve 18. Encircling this stem is a spiral spring 20, which normally forces the valve 18 against the upper end 21 of the air-nozzle, this upper end constituting a seat against which the valve 18 is free to close upwardly. An air-pipe is shown at 22 and, generally speaking, is of the usual construction. This air-pipe 22 is inclosed within-a tube 23, connected with the casing 5. The well may have a packer 24, as indicated in Fig. 1, 'ormay be without a packer, as indicated in Fig. 4.

25 is a casing-head connected with gasmains 26.27.

28 is a pipe used for discharging the liquid. Stulfing-boxes 29 30,provided with the usual adjustments 29 30, are provided upon the easing head and tubing, respectively.

Patented May 24, 1904. 3

I In the modification shown in Fig. '3- the air-[ nozzle 14 is provided with perforations 16 and with a partition 17 this partition forming a seat for a valve 18*, provided with a stem 19. This stem 19 is encircled by a spiral spring 20, which bears downward upon the valve 18. When this form'of air-nozzle is used, the valve-stem 1 9 normally rests upon the upper end of the stem 12 of the lower valve, so that the air may pass freely from the airpipe 22 around the valve 18 and through the perforations 16. v

- The tubular casing 5 is made quite large as compared with theoutlet 23 of the same and is provided with one or'more inlet-openings 31, controlled by valves 32' of any desirable form and disposed at points upon the casing between thelevel of the liquid inthe well and the air-discharge 16 for the purpose of admit- The liquid 4 passes'from the shot-hole 3,

through the perforations 6 and up into the casing 5, passing through the valvell in the manifold.

usual manner. As the valve-seat 10 is raised a considerable distance above the partition 7 a considerable quantity of sand 9 may lodge in the sand-trap. If for any reason the valve 11 should become clogged or should fail to operate, the liquid will rise in the shot-hole 3 until it reaches the inlet-opening 31, whereupon it moves through the valve 32 inwardly and pours into the casing 5. ing near the top rather than at the bottom of the casing 5 the shot-hole 3 always holds a considerable quantity of the liquid. This produces a good effect where the liquid is oil, for the reason that it prevents the formation of paraffin upon the walls of the shot-hole. In other words, the considerable volume always present in the shot-hole maintains in a fluid form the paraffin present in the shot-hole and prevents the same from becoming solid upon the walls, so as to impair the efficiency of the well. By having the casing 5 of large size and extending it down to the bottom of the pocket 3 provision is made for storing a much larger quantity of the sand 33 than is usual. The sand 33 may pile up within the casing 5 to a considerable height without impairing the action of anypart. Upon this account the perforations 6 are preferably located a considerable distance from the bottom of the pocket 3, as shown in Fig. 1. Another purpose in having the casing 5 large at the bottom is to render the current action slower than would otherwise be the casethat is to say, the liquid can flow in large quantities through the perforations 6 without producing boiling or eddy currents within the bottom of the casing 5, and thereby unduly disturbing any sand 33 which may be in the casing. It will thus be observed that the valve 32 has two functions, one of which is to allow ingress of the fluid in case the valve 11 does not permit such ingress, the other being to prevent the formation of solid paraffin, as above described, particularly when used for the purpose as shown in Fig. 1.

The purpose of the upwardly-closing valve 18 and the downwardly-closing valve 18 is For instance, if it be desired to test the air-pipe 22 to see if the same contains a leak the valve 18 or 18*is used for the purpose of closing the lower end of the air-pipe. If the valve 18 be employed, the air-pipe 22 is lowered until the stem 19 of the valve 18 rests upon the upper end of the larger stem 12 of the lower valve'll. This causes the valve 18 to close upwardly against the seat 21 and effectively stop the lower end of the air-pipe 22. Air-pressure is now applied to the airpipe 22, and by cutting off the supply of air, leaving the pipe under pressure for a time, and afterward testing the pressure with a manometer any leak in the air-pipe may be detected. When, however, the valve 18 is the one employed, the air-pipe 22 is merely raised so as to allow the valve 18 to close By thus enter downwardly upon the seat 17 by the tension of the spiral spring 20. This closes the lower end of the airpipe,'which may then be tested, as above described. When the valve 18 is used, all particles of sand and other material are prevented from entering the lower end of the air-pipe, thereby plugging the samethat is to say, the valve 18, closing against the seat, prevents the ingress of particles of foreign matter which might otherwise clog the lower end of the air-pipe. Another advantage in using the valve 18 is to maintain economy of the air used for raising the liquid. By making the spring 20 tolerabl y stili', so that it exerts considerable upward pressure, the air normally filling the air-pipe 22 may be maintained considerably above'the atmospheric pressure even when the pipe 22 is in immediate use, so that it is unnecessary to fill the pipe 22 each time it is used. In this respect the pipe 22 acts as a sort of reservoir for compressed air, its function thus being somewhat analogous to that of a train-pipe used in operating airbrakes.

When the casing 5 has received a considerable quantity of liquid and it is desired to empty the same, a high air-pressure is suddenly applied through the pipe 22, the column of liquid within the casing 5 is broken, and the portion 1 of this column is raised to the surface. This may be repeated until the well is practically emptied.

In the modified form shown in Fig. 1 the ground is shown at 1, the drill-hole at 2, the shot-hole at 3, the main volume of liquid at 1, and the pocket at 3, as in the other ligu res. With this form, however, the tubular casing 5 extends entirely to the bottom of the pocket 3 and is closed at its lower end by'nieans of a plug 5. The upper end of this casing is connected by a threaded connection 5 with the tube 23 for raising the liquid. The airpipe 22 is provided with a nozzle 22", having perforations. 22 and preferably with the spring-valve 18, the air-pipe in this case being lowered to such a point that the perforations 22are disposed immediately ad jaeent to the plug 5, thus being submerged to a considerable depth. The mechanism for admitting the liquid to the casing may be of any desired construction, but preferably consists of a coupling joining two sections of the easing together at a predetermined point and having one or more openings 31 through it for admitting the liquid, each opening being provided with a valve 32 of any desired form, but preferably hinged, as shown, for the purpose of preventing egress of the liquid from the casing, the arrangement of the parts being such as to afford sufiicient space inside of the casing to allow the passage of a pipe 22 downward through the casing an indefinite distance below the said mechanism for admitting liquid to the same, as shown. The apparatus thus described is peculiarly applicable to 'wells containing considerable quantities of loose sand, 1 mud, -&c., that would quickly clog a bottom valve and in which it is desired to raisethe liquid without raising any sand therewith. ,The liquid 4 is unable to enter the casing in any other-manner than by rising to the level of the inlet 31 and opening the valve 32 inwardly, so as to fill the tubular casing 5, as indicated in Fig. 4. It will'be seen that by this arrangement the entrance of sand and gravel into the casing 5 is prevented or at least greatly lessened. It will-also be seen that owing to the absence of the lower or main valve the air-pipe 22* may be submerged to a greater depth, so that the column'of liquid above the aperture 22 is comparatively long, thus enabling the airpressure toexert itself to better advantage in raising a portion of the liquid-to the surface.

It will be understood, of course, that in forc ing a liquid upward by means of air-pressure it is always desirable to have'a thick stratum of liquid above the air in order to prevent the airfrom passing through it.

With the apparatus shown in Fig. 4 the operation of raising the liquid to the surface is quite-simple, consisting merely in applying high pressure of air to the pipe 22, thus caus ing a volume of air to suddenly emerge from the apertures 22 breakingv the column of liquid within the casing 5 and forcing it up ward through the tubing 23*. The larger size of the tubing 5, as compared with the tubing 23, causes the column to lengthen in passing from the casing to the tubing, and thereby enables the air-pressure tov be more effective than would be the case if a tubing of uniform diameter were employed.

While in Fig. 1, 2, and 3 we show nozzles upon the end of the air-pipe, we do not limit ourselves to l the particular constructions shown, as obviously the air may be discharged from the lower end of the air-pipe without the use of nozzles.

Havingthus described our invention, we claim as new and desire to secure byLetters Patent 7 I 1. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of'a casing provided with tubing for carrying liquids to the surface of the earth, an air-pipe disposed within said tubing, an air-nozzleconnectedwith saidairlpipe,- and a valveco'ntrolling communication between said air-pipe and said air-nozzle.

2. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a member for containing the liquid to be raised, an air-pipe for supplying air to raise said liquid, and a spring pressed valve for closing said-air-pipe at a point disposed within said member containing the liquid to be raised.

3. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a casing of 'comparatively large diameter, a tubular member of comparatively small diameter connected and disposed at a comparatively elevated point relatively thereto for admitting liquids at said elevated point, and an air-pipe terminating within said casing and at a point comparatively near the bottom thereof.

4:. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a casing of comparatively large diameter provided with an opening at a comparatively elevated point, said casing being closed elsewhere against ingress of fluid than at said opening, a valve connected with said casing and free to close said opening, tubular mechanism connected with said casing, and an air-pipe contained within said casing. F

5. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a tubular casing provided at its lower end with mechanism for closing the same, and also provided at a comparatively elevated point with a valve for admitting liquid at a comparatively high level, mechanism. connected with said casing for the purpose of conducting the flow of liquid therefrom,- and anair-pipe terminating within said casing at a point comparatively near the bottom thereof for the purpose of raising a portion of the liquid within said casing to the surface. 1

6. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a tubular casing provided with a valve disposed near the top thereof, a plug closing the lower end of said casing, tubing connected with said casing. an air-pipe disposed within said tubing and said ycaslng, said air-pipe being provided with perforations disposed near its lower end, and a spring-valve mounted within said air-pipe at a point adjacent to said perforations.

7 In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of acasing, and valve mechanism for admitting liquid thereinto, said mechanism being disposed ata predetermined 'level for the purpose of preventing theliquid outside of said casing being lowered below said predetermined point, the elevation of said valve mechanism relatively to the bottom of said casing being such as to afford aspace for the-passage of an air-pipeor the like through said casing to a point below said valve mechanism. I

8. In-an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination of tubular mechanism extending into a Well, an air-pipe mounted within said tubular mechanism, an air-nozzle mounted upon said air-pipe, and an automatic valve for normally closing communication between said air-pipe and said nozzle, thereby preventing said air-pipe from becoming obstructed by sediment.

9. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a casing provided with tubing for carrying liquids to the surface of the earth, an air-pipe disposed within said tubing, an air-nozzle connected with said ICC air-pipe, and a spring-pressed valve for'normally closing communication between said air-pipe and said air-nozzle as against the entrance of sediment, said valve being free to open as against the air-pressure.

10. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a casing for containing the liquid to be raised, an air-pipe for supplying compressed air to said liquid, and an upwardly-closing valvular member connected with said air-pipe for closing the same against the upward travel of sediment, said valvular member being free to open said airpipe when subjected to the air-pressure.

1-1. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of tubular mechanism, an air-pipe disposed therein, and a valve for opening and closing said air-pipe at its lower end, said valve being free to open by the air-pressure from within said air-pipe and free to close by the pressure of the liquid tending to entersaid air-pipe from without.

12. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a casing of comparatively large diameter, a tubular member of comparatively small diameter connected therewith, a valve connected with said casing and disposed at a comparatively elevated level relatively thereto for admitting liquids at said elevated levels, and means for releasing air at high pressure beneath the surface of avolume of said liquid disposed within said casing.

13. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a casing of comparativelylarge diameter, tubular mechanism of comparatively small diameter connected therewith, means for admitting a quantity of liquid into said casing at a level intermediate the top of said casing and the point where the air is discharged thereinto, and means for supplying air beneath the surface of the liquid for removing a volume of said liquid from within said casing.

14:. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of an air-pipe .eX- tended into the well, means for admitting a liquid around said pipe so as to submerge the lower end thereof, and an upwardly-closing valvular member connected with said air-pipe and submerged beneath the level of the liquid Within the well, said valvular member being free to open downwardly by the air-pressure.

15. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a casing, tubing connected therewith for the purpose of conveying liquid therefrom to the surface of the earth, valve .mechanism connected with said casing for admitting a liquid to the same, said valve mechanism being disposed at a prede' termined level for the purpose of preventing the upper level of the liquid in the well outside of the casing from being lowered below said predetermined level, and a tubular member mounted within said casing and free to reach to a point adjacent to the lower end thereof without interfering with the action of said valve mechanism.

16. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of tubular mechanism forming a receptacle for the liquid and constituting a member for conveying said liquid to the surface of the earth, valve mechanism for admitting a liquid from the well to said casing, said valve mechanism being disposed above the lower end of said casing, and a tubular member passing through said casing to a point below said valve mechanism.

17. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a casing provided with inlet mechanism disposed adjacentto the top thereof, the lower end of said casing being closed, tubing connected with said casing and virtually forming a continuation thereof, an air-pipe disposed within said tubing and said casing and provided with perforations disposed adjacent to the lower end of said casing, and a valve disposed within said airpipe at a point adjacent to said perforations.

18. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of tubular mechanism extending into the well, an air-pipe disposed within said tubular mechanism, valvular mechanism for admitting a liquid around said air-pipe so as to submerge the lower end thereof, and a spring-closed valve connected with the lower end of said air-pipe.

19. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a hollow member provided with avalve opening inwardly, said valve being disposed at a predetermined level for the purpose of preventing the general level of the liquid within the well from being lowered beyond a certain limit, and an airpipe disposed within said hollow member and provided with a discharge-outlet disposed below the level of said valve.

In testimony whereof we have signed our names to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

THOMAS FRANCES MORAN. FRED JOSEPH MOSER. Witnesses to the signature of Thomas F. Moran:

THEODORE CRowELL, WM. L. VVELsn. Witnesses to the signature of Fred J. Moser:

GEO. P. SMITH, GEO. W. CRossMmn. 

